If we've learned anything from the COVID-19 pandemic, it's that preparedness and resiliency against known risks and threats are essential, no matter the context. When it comes to cybersecurity, this is especially true. This year, the pandemic helped broaden the conversation on corporate cybersecurity practices as entire industries and organizations transitioned to remote work full-time. A new report from Data Connectors put forth data on the number of cyberattacks in 2020, breaking down hacks by device-type and examining cyber trends before and during the pandemic as its technological challenges left many employees and students vulnerable to cyberattacks. According to Data Connections, there has been a sharp increase in hacking and phishing activity since the start of the pandemic, paired with the large-scale growth in the use of work-from-home technologies, customer-facing networks, and online cloud services.

Between February and March of this year, hacking and phishing activity increased by 37%, according to Data Connectors.

Over 192,000 coronavirus-related cyberattacks were reported each week throughout March and April, representing a 30% increase from months prior.

Just in time for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the slideshow above highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted cybersecurity and worsened attacks in 2020 so far. It also explains how to better protect yourself, your data and your business, from Data Connections. Related:

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Danielle Ling

Danielle Ling is an experienced video journalist and business reporter. As associate editor, Danielle manages all multimedia and reports on industry news and risk-related coverage, managing all weather-related content. A University of Maryland and Philip Merrill College of Journalism alum, Danielle previously served as a video journalist for Verizon FiOS 1 News NJ, Push Pause. Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn or email her at dling@alm.com.

Coverage & Policy Issues
Information Security
Commercial Lines
E&S/Specialty
Cybersecurity